Means for automatic control of antiknock liquids



y 1935. L. B. KIMBALL 2,002,482

MEANS FdR AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF ANTIKNOCK LIQUIDS Filed Jan. 20, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR LEO B. KIMBHLL VMWWZK HIS ATTORNEYS May 21, 1935. L. s. KIMBALL MEANS FOR AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF ANTIKNOCK LIQUIDS Filed Jan. 20, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 TTORNE S engines of similar natur Patented May 21, 1935 MEANS FOR AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF ANTIKNOCK LIQUIDS Leo is. Kimball, New Haven, Conn, auignor to Fuel Development Corporation, a corporation of Delawa Application January 20, 1934, sci-m No. 107,550 11 Claims. (01. 123-119) This invention relates to certain improvements that pertain primarily to the fractional supply of anti-knock liquids to the intake conduits or apparatus of an internal combustion engine or to for distribution in the air-fuel mixtures used in the operation thereof.

The invention of this application has more particularly to do with the supply of anti-knock liquids to internal combustion engines which are used with a so-called supercharger, which has usually been in the form of a blower, or there may be other devices for producing a pressure in the intake of an internal combustion engine above normal atmospheric pressure.

Although such superchargers have been used to some extent in connection with automobile engines, yet their use in connection with airplane or aircraft engines is particularly valuable because when an airplane is takingoff the power required of the engine is above the normal power that would ordinarily be produced with a wide open throttle valve. Such superchargers are also valuable in aircraft engines when the same are climbing to attain high altitudes and where normal atmospheric pressure is below that which exists at or near the surface of the earth.

One object, therefore, of the present invention is to make certain changes in and additions to the valve heretofore invented by me for the fractional supply of fluids to internal combustion engines, such as is described in my prior Patent No. 1,974,071, issued September 18, 1934. In said patent the general considerations surrounding the operation of internal combustion engines and the reason for adding anti-knockliquids thereto at certain times are fully set forth, and it is deemed unnecessary to repeat the same in this specification.

It may be said, in addition thereto, that in the use of a supercharger with aircraft engines, the supercharger produces an increased pressure which sometimes may amount to one atmosphere above normal atmospheric pressure at sea level. When an airplane takes off from the ground or water surface at practically sea level, the pilot opens the throttle valve to some predetermined point approaching its widest opening. Owing to the high speed of the airplane engine at such times the supercharger (or blower) produces an increased pressure in the intake manifoldof the engine. At such times the tendency to produce knocking in the engine is increased, particularly if the gasoline is of low grade or the engine has become foul from carbon or a. poor condition is produced from other causes.

As the airplane attains greater elevation the additional intake pressure produced by the supercharger becomes somewhat neutralized by the drop in atmospheric pressure and the pilot therefore opens the throttle to a somewhat greater extent, which causes the supercharger to produce still more pressure and so to increase the power and speed of the engine in order to cause the aircraft to continue to rise steadily.

When the desired cruising altitude is reached the throttle is somewhat closed so that it is usually about three-fourths of its maximum opening and this is continued at the cruising speed, after which it is not necessary to change the position of the throttle except under adverse or unexpected conditions.

At cruising speeds of an aircraft, the supercharger or blower produces no pressure in the intake, that is, the effective result thereof may be equal to or below atmospheric pressure at sea level. Such speeds, in cruising, are substantially normal speeds of the aircraft, and therefore,

since no considerable extra power is required, the fuel-air mixture or charge is substantially normal and the intake suction of the engine supplemented by the supercharger pressure to overcome the reduced air pressure supplies the necessary charge to practically the same degree as would occur at sea level.

As above stated, the knocking tends to occur only at times when considerable extra power is required of the engine, such as when taking on or rising to higher altitudes. Consequently, it becomes necessary only to supply the anti-knock liquid atsuch times.

My invention, therefore, resides in means for adapting a valve for adding the anti-knock liquid economically when used with a supercharger or blower connected with an aircraft engine, and also when used with automobile engines when such valves are installed as a part of the automobile equipment The installation for automobile uses of the valve and with a supercharger is not substantially different from the use of the valve with an aircraft supercharger, the main difference in the first case being in the type engine used.

For a detailed description of one form of my.

. invention which at present is deemed preferable,

reference may be had to the following specification and the drawings forming part thereof, in which Figure 1 is a side elevation of an airplane engine'showing the relative locations of the respective parts and their connections with each other;

- liquid passes so that .engine, as is well 2; and

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view, substantially horizontal, taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Referring particularly to Figure l of the drawings, the numeral 1 indicates the airplane engine which has a multiplicity of radially located cylinders, such as indicated by the numeral 2. The

pistons in these cylinders are connected with the main crank, as is usual in such devices, and the cylinders are also provided with intake and exhaust pipes, as indicated by the numerals 3 and 4, respectively.

At the left hand of the crank case is a circular housing 5 which contains the rotating pump or blower constituting the supercharger, the rotating part of said blower being operated from the crank shaft of the engine or from a rotating device driven from the exhaust pressures of the known in the art. Obviously, the supercharger may be driven by other means when preferred.

The improved valve which I have invented for use in connection with this type of apparatus is indicated by the numeral 6. The numeral 1 indicates a pipe leading from the supercharger casing 5 to said valve. The pipe 8 is a pipe leading from said valve to a closed reservoir or supply tank 9 for the anti-knock liquid. From the bottom of the reservoir 9 is a pipe H) which leads to the valve 6 and through which the anti-knock it is controlled by said valve. From the lower part. of the valve is a pipe I I that is connected with the carburetor l2. This carburetor I2 is connected with the supercharger or blower by a suitable pipe 13 so that the air-fuel mixture passes through said supercharger to the intake pipes which lead to the compression ends of the cylinders of the engine.

Referring now to Figure 2, in which the above mentioned parts are indicated schematically, it will be seen that the various pipes are connected with the valve 6 as above'described, so that it will operate to perform its required functions when constructed as follows:

The top of the casing or housing I4 is provided with a union or nipple 15 with which the pipe 1 from the supercharger 5 is connected. A second nipple l6 entering the top of the housing I4 is connected with the pipe 3, from the supply tank 9'. Below thetop of the housing 14, there is a resilient diaphragm l1 which carries two discs l8 and 19, the upper disc being provided with a flexible washer or gasket which is adapted to close the openingin the top of the housing that is located immediately below the nipple l6.

In the lbwer part of the housing 14 a second diaphragm is provided as indicated at 2|. This is also provided with two circular discs 22 and 23, the lower one of which also carries a packing or gasket 24 which is adapted to close the outlet 25 in the bottom of the housing. The circular disc 22 supports'one end of a helical spring 26, the upper end of which is held in position by the annular cap 21, which cap is supported on screwthreaded posts or studs 28. The cap is held ad- :lustably in position by the helical springs 29 surrounding said studs. The spring 26 tends to hold 'the gasket 24 in contact with the lower end of.

the housing so as to close the outlet 25 except when the necessary counterbalancing fluid pressure is active to raise the same. This pressure is supplied through the nipple 30 which connects with the pipe 10 leading to the bottom of the supply tank or reservoir 9. The air pressure in the space between the diaphragm l1 and the diaphragm 2| is preferably maintained at normal atmospheric pressure (at sea level) and since the air constitutes a resilient cushion its pressure is effective to aid in determining the points at which the respective valves open. Beneath the outlet 25 in the housing I4 is a thimble 3| which is screw-threaded within a suitable opening, and

said thimble is provided with a transverse partition having a hole or opening therein, as indicated at 32. Within the opening 32 is a valve member 33 having varying transverse diameters which determine the rates at which the liquid will flow through the opening 32. This valve member 33 is provided with a screw-threaded projection 34 which passes through the disc 23 and is adjustably carried in the hub thereof 23'.

Below the tapering portion of the valve member 33 is a cylindrical portion 35 which is provided at its lower end with a transverse pin 36. A tubular member 31 is provided with longitudinal slots 38 within which the ends of the pin 36 may slide up and down. The tubular portion 31 is continued downward and is screw-threaded as indicated at 39 and is provided with a groove 40 for turning by means of a screw-driver.

The screw-threaded portion 39 is preferably provided with a locknut 4| which may be used to hold the flange 31' of the tubular portion 31 in its adjusted position on the flange 44 of the thimble 45. It will now be seen that when the screw-threaded portion 39 is rotated by means of a screw-driver the cylindrical portion 35 of the valve spindle and the tapering portion 33 thereof will be raised or lowered with reference to the opening 32 so that the rates .of flow of liquid through said opening can be adjusted to cover the required range for the correct flow of liquid under various requirements of the engine. I do not wish to be understood as being limited to this particular form of adjusting means above described, although the same is quite similar to that illustrated and described in my prior patent above referred to.

Referring to Figure 2, and supposing the throttle valve of the engine is opened for taking off from the surface of the earth or a water surface, the supercharger or blower will produce the necessary pressure above atmospheric pressure so that the mixture of fuel and air will be impelled or driven into the intake passages of the engine by a pressure that is above normal atmospheric pressure. This will increase the pressure through the pipe 1, nipple l5 and the space above the diaphragm l1. Thus the diaphragm will be pushed downward and the orifice below the nipple is will be opened so that the pressure can pass through the nipple l6, pipe 8, to the upper portion of the reservoir 9. That pressure will then cause the liquid therein to be forced out from the bottom thereof so that it will pass uirougn the pipe in and the nipple so into the space below the diaphragm 2| and such pressure on the diaphragm will cause the gasket 24 to be raised and so open the discharge outlet 25. That also causes the liquid to pass through the opening 32 surrounding the valve member 33. This member constitutes a metering device which will accurately determine the rates of flow of the antianti-knock knock liquid into the chamber below said transverse partition in the thimble ii. The amount of variation in the diameter of the valve member 33 should be accurately determined in order that the rates of flow of the liquid controlled thereby will correspond to the desired amount that it is necessary to add to the air-fuel mixture. The variations in the valve member are determined by the amount of anti-knock or other fluid required to be added at various supercharger pressures throughout the range of supercharger pressures and according to the requirements of the engine. Thus the liquid will flow through the nipple 42 and the pipe 43 to the carburetor I! where it is mixed with the incoming air and when mixed with the fuel, passes through the pipe 13 to the supercharger 5. It then flows to the cylinders of the engine through the intake pipes 3.

Regarding the adjustment of the valve member 33 having varying diameters in the opening 32 through the partition in the nipple 3|, that is accomplished,-as above indicated, first, by loosening the locknut 4| so that the tubular portion 31 may be rotated. Then by rotating the tubular portion 31- in a clockwise direction the valve member 33 will be raised by reason of its being screwed further into the hub 23' extending from the disc 23. When the proper position has been reached, the screw-driver is removed and the locknut again screwed into position so that the flange 31 will be pulled down onto the internal flange 44 of the screw-threaded thirnb.e 45 which closes the lower end of the housing ll. Thereafter, the tubular portion 31 will not be further rotated until the locknut 4| is again loosened.

It may be stated here that the position of the valve spindle 33, as relates to the disc 23, will be slightly higher for high powered engines than it is when used in connection of smaller power, since higher powered engines require more fuel.

As is usual in connection with aircraft engines similar to those above described, as well as in connection with" engines for propelling automobiles, the carburetor is provided with a throttle valve which, in the present instance, is indicated above the carburetor l2, at lli. This throttle valve is one of the usual accessories supplied with such aircraft or automobile engines and is connected with the device to be controlled by the operator of the engine through a rod 41, in any manner known in the art.

Having thus described this arrangement of my improved valve as relates to the supercharger and the carburetor of an aircraft engine, it will be seen that I have provided a valve which is auto.- matically operated in connection with the throttle valve control for'determiningthe amount of fuel to be supplied to an internal combustion engine. This arises by reason of the fact that the supercharger produces the additional pressure in pro-' portion to the speed and power required of the engine. The speed of the engine determines the speed of rotation of therotating element of the supercharger, and therefore its supercharging or fluid pressure action.

It will be appreciated that the automatic 'control comes into play primarily when .the aircraft is taking off from the surface of landor water and the valves automatically provide the 'necessary supply 'of anti-knock liquidin' accordance withthe extra "unusual power demanded of the engine-i, I

It will be'apparent from the above description with other engines that the use of a "supercharger" may not always \be required. The pressure on the surface of the supplementary liquid in the reservoir may be produced in other ways. when the usual exhaust pressure from an internal combustion engine is sufliciently high the exhaust passages of the engine may be connected by a conduit with the upper portion of the reservoir and the valve for controlling the pressure in said conduit may or may not be inserted, depending upon the operating characteristics of the engine.

It will also be apparent that the valve for controlling the pressure on the supplementary liquid may be omitted even where the pressure is produced'by a supercharger or similar pressure device.

Also, said supercharger pressure valve may be operated mechanically, as simultaneously with the throttle valve if such an arrangement be desirable.

I wish it to be understood that I do not wish this invention to be considered as being limited to the specific details or form of arrangement of parts herein described, except in so far as they may be consistent with the scope and tenor of the accompanying claims, for various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention.

What I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In means for controlling the supply of varying amounts of a supplementary liquid, other than the fuel itself, for distribution in the airfuel mixtures used in operating an internal-combustion engine, apparatus comprising, a closed reservoir for providing a constant supply of said supplementary liquid, means for producing fluid pressure above atmospheric pressure on said liquid, a conduit connected with said reservoir for conducting said liquid to the carburetor for said engine, a controlling device in said conduit for permitting the admission and for regulating the amount of said liquid to be supplied, and means connected with said 'device and actuated by the fluid pressure above atmospheric pressure in said reservoir and in said conduit, to determine the conditions for actuating said device to control the admission and the uid therethrough.

2. In means for controlling the supply of varying amounts of a supplementary liquid other than the fuel itself, for distribution in the airfuel mixturesused in operating an internal-combustion engine, apparatus comprising, a closed reservoir for providing aconstant supply of said supplementary liquid, means for producing fluid pressure aboveatmosplieric pressure on said liq uid, a conduit connected with said reservoir for rates of flow of said liqconducting said liquid to the carburetor for said engine, a controlling device in said conduit for permitting the admission and forregulating' the amount ible diaphragm connected with said device and actuated by fluid pressure above atmospheric pressure in said reservoir and in said conduit, to

ietermine the conditions for actuating said device, to control the admission and the rates of flow of said liquid therethrough.

of said liquid to be supplied,'and a flex 3. In means for controlling the supply of varying amounts of a supplementary liquid for distribution in the air-fuel mixtures used in operating an internal-combustion engine, apparatus comprising, a closed reservoir for said supplementary liquid, a device for producing therein fluid pressures above atmospheric pressure, a

'nected with said valve and with a supercharger,

conduit connecting said pressure producing device with the upper portion of said reservoir, a conduit-connected with said reservoir for conducting said liquid to the carburetor for said engine, a valve in the latter conduit for controlling the admission and for regulating the amount or said liquid to be supplied, and means connected with said valve and actuated by the fluid pressure in said reservoir and in said conduit, to determine the point of opening or said valve and the rates of flow of said liquid.

4. In means for controlling the supply-oi varying amounts of a supplementary liquid for distribution in the air-fuel mixtures for operating an internal-combustion engine, apparatus comprising, a" device tor producing fluid pressures above atmospheric pressure and connected with said engine, a closed reservoir for said supplementary liquid, a conduit connecting said pressure producing device with the upper portion of said reservoir, a conduit connected with said reservoir for conducting said liquid to the carburetor for said engine, a valve in the latter conduit for controlling the admission and for regulating the amount of said liquid to be supplied, and a pressure operated device connected with said valve and actuated by the fluid pressure in said reservoir and in said conduit, to determine the point of opening of said valve and the rates of flow of said liquid.

5. In means for controlling the supply 0! varying amounts of a supplementary liquid for distribution in the air-fuel mixtures used in operating an internal-combustion engine connected with a supercharger, apparatus comprising, a closed reservoir for said supplementary liquid, a conduit leading from said supercharger to said reservoir, a conduit for conducting said liquid from said reservoir to the carburetor for said engine, a valve in the latter conduit for controlling the admission of said liquid and regulating the amount thereof to be supplied, and means con- I actuated by the fluid pressure in said reservoir and in said conduit, to determine the point of opening of said valve and the rates of flow of said liquid therethrough.

6. In means for controlling the supply of varying amounts of a supplementary liquid for distribution in the air-iuel mixtures used in operating an internal-combustion engine connected apparatus comprising, a closed reservoir for said supplementary liquid, a conduit leading from said supercharger to said reservoir, a conduit for conducting said liquid irom said reservoir to the carburetor for said engine, a valve in the latter conduit for controlling the admission of said liquid and regulating the amount thereof to be supplied, and a flexible diaphragm connected with said valve and actuated by the fluid pressure in said reservoir and in said conduit, to determine the point of opening of said valve and the rates of flow of said liquid therethrough.

7. In means for controlling the supply 0! varying amounts of a supplementary liquid, other than the fuel itself for distribution in the air-fuel mixtures used in operating an intemal-combustion engine, apparatus comprising, a device for producing sustained fluid pressures above atmospheric pressure and connected with and so driven by said engine, a closed reservoir for said supplementary liquid, a conduit connecting said pressure device with the upper portion of said reservoir, a valve in said conduit, said valve being opened at a predetermined fluid pressure pro- -liquid to the carburetor voir, a valve in duced by said pressure device, an outlet conduit connected with said reservoir for conducting said for said engine, and a valve in the latter conduit for controlling the amounts of said liquid to be supplied, said valve being actuated by the fluid pressure in said reservoir and in said outlet conduit.

8. In means for controlling the supply of varying amounts of a supplementary liquid for distribution in the air-fuel mixtures used in operating an internal-combustion engine, apparatus comprising, a device for producing fluid pressures above atmospheric pressure and connected with said engine, a closed reservoir for said supplementary liquid, a conduit connecting said fluid pressure device with the upper portion of said resersaid conduit, said valve being opened at a predetermined fluid pressure produced by said pressure device, an outlet conduit connected with said reservoir for conducting said liquid to the carburetor for said engine, and a valve in said conduit for controlling the amounts of said liquid to be supplied, said valve being actuated by a diaphragm that is displaced by the fluid pressure in said reservoir and in said outlet conduit.

9. In means tor controlling the supply of varying amounts of a supplementary liquid for distribution in the air-fuel mixtures used in operating an internal-combustion engine, apparatus comprising, a device for producing fluid pressures above atmospheric pressure, a closed reservoir for said supplementary liquid, a conduit connecting said pressure device with the upper portion 0! said reservoir, a valve in said conduit, said valve being opened at a predetermined fluid pressure produced by said pressure device, an outlet conduit connected with said reservoir for conducting said liquid to the carburetor for said engine, a valve in said latter conduit for permitting the passage of said liquid to be supplied, and means connected with said valve and actuated by the fluid pressure in said reservoir and in said conduit to determine the point of openingot said valve and to regulate the rates of flow of said liquid therethrough.

10. In means for controlling the supply of varying amounts of a supplementary liquid for distribution in the air-fuel mixtures used in operating an internal-combustion engine, apparatus comprising, a device for producing fluid pressures above atmospheric pressure and operated by said engine, a closed reservoir for said supplementary liquid, a conduit connecting said pressure device with the upper'portion of said reservoir, a valve in said conduit, said valve being opened .at a predetermined fluid pressure produced by said pressure device, an outlet conduit connected with said reservoir for conducting said liquid to thecarburetor for said engine, valves in said latter conduit for permitting the passage of and for regulating the amount of said liquid to be supplied, and a fle 'ble diaphragm connected with said valves and actuated by the fluid pressure in said reservoir and in said conduit to determine the point of opening of said valve and to regulate the rates of flow of said liquid therethrough.

11. In meansior controlling the supply of varying amounts oi! a supplementary liquid for distribution in the air-fuel mixtures used in operating an internal-combustion engine which actuates a supercharger, apparatus comprising, a closed reservoir for said supplementary liquid, a conduit connecting said pressure device with the liquid to be supplied, and a diaphragm connected with the movable members of said valve and actuated by the fluid pressure in saidreservoir and said conduit to determine the point of opening of said valve and to regulate the rates of flow of 5 said liquid therethroug LEO B. KIMBAIL. 

